Power Mac G4 Firmware Update 4.2.8: Information and Download

This document contains the About the Power Mac G4 Firmware Update 4.2.8 document and a link to the Power Mac G4 Firmware Update 4.2.8 software.

This firmware update replaces Power Mac G4 Firmware Update 4.1.9, and includes a fix for the absence of audio when version 4.1.9 was installed on certain Power Mac G4 desktop machines running Mac OS 9.1. If you previously installed Power Mac G4 Firmware Update 4.1.9 and did not experience this problem, Power Mac G4 Firmware Update 4.2.8 is not needed.

The Power Mac G4 Firmware Update 4.2.8 will run only on Power Mac G4 and Macintosh Server G4 models with AGP graphics running Mac OS 9.1 or later from a local hard disk.

Note: Power Mac G4 (QuickSilver) computers do not require this update.

The Power Mac G4 Firmware Update 4.2.8 will run only on Power Mac G4 and Macintosh Server G4 models with AGP graphics running Mac OS 9.1 or later from a local hard disk. If you are using Mac OS X on your Power Mac G4 or Macintosh Server G4, you must start up from a local Mac OS 9.1 or later writeable partition (not a CD or network disk) before following the update instructions.

Firmware Update 4.1.9 is available for Power Mac G4 Cube models and iMac computers with slot-loading CD or DVD drives.

Firmware Update 4.2.8 includes improvements to starting up Mac OS X from the local hard disk, FireWire target disk mode, network startup, gigabit networking (on systems with gigabit hardware), and system stability. This update also adds support for additional security options that allow the Open Firmware to be password-protected.

Before you install the Power Mac G4 Firmware Update 4.2.8, read the instructions below. You may want to print them for reference.

Note: After you install this update, the parameter RAM (PRAM) is reset. This may reset some of your control panels to their default settings. See Mac Help, available in the Help menu, for more information on changing your control panel settings.

Double-click the Power Mac G4 Firmware Updater icon.

Note: If a message says your firmware is up-to-date with version 4.2.8 of the Power Mac G4 Firmware Update, or that this version of the Power Mac G4 Firmware Updater will not run on this computer, then you do not need this update. If a message says you need to install Mac OS 9.1 or later, the Firmware Updater will not run until you do so.

Follow the onscreen instructions. When prompted, click Shut Down in the dialog box to shut down your Power Mac G4.

Locate the programmer's button on the front of the Power Mac G4, to the right of the reset button. Press and hold in the programmer's button. You may need to use a pen or a straightened paper clip.

While you hold in the programmer's button, press the Power button to start up your Power Mac G4.

Continue to hold in the programmer's button until you hear a long tone. Release the programmer's button when you hear the tone. The update starts automatically.

A status bar shows the progress of the update. When a message says your computer's firmware has been successfully updated to version 4.2.8, you are finished.

Note: If a message says the update was not completed successfully, review the instructions and begin the update process again.